A group of Alexandria martial artists is preparing to compete at an international world championship in France later this fall.
Eight martial artists, competing in a variety of events and age groups, from Alexandria gym McClendon Martial Arts will head to France from Oct. 14 to Oct. 18 to compete in the world championships for the International Combat Organization, or ICO. Their training was in full swing when LINK nky visited the gym this month.
“I’m just excited to excited to see them do their thing,” said coach and proprietor of McClendon Martial Arts, Michael McClendon. “We’ve been training really hard, and we’ve definitely grown mentally (and) physically.”
McClendon is one of several coaches for the American branch of the ICO. ICO sanctions amateur events in several forms of kickboxing, Karate-style point fighting, Muay Thai, mixed martial arts, grappling and other events. The McClendon martial artists focused largely on striking arts, and several of them will be competing in multiple events. ICO championships have been held in several countries, including Ireland, Portugal, Wales and Canada.
The following eight athletes will compete in France: 11-year-old Lilian Newman, 13-year-old Trent Baker, 14-year-old Skylar Dill, 15-year-old Michael Richeson, 16-year-old Mason Prieshoff, 17-year-old Addi Venneman, 37-year-old Amanda Richeson and 47-year-old Tony Baker.
“I think my favorite part, honestly, about traveling with the tournaments is just seeing so many different kinds of things,” said Venneman, who’s previously traveled to Ireland to compete. Venneman will be competing in point fighting and two different kickboxing events.
When asked if she was nervous about competing, she said, “It comes in waves. Sometimes I’m like ‘I’m ready to go now,’ and then sometimes I’m like ‘this is a big tournament.'”
“I just like being able to fight,” said Prieshoff, who’s also competing in point fighting and kickboxing events. Prieshoff previously competed in Portugal. “It’s something different that not everyone else does. It’s kind of unique, you know?”
In order to qualify for the world championships, athletes compete in lower-level regional tournaments. Top teams from regionals can then qualify for a national training camp for international tournaments.
“You see a lot of transformation from the camp,” McClendon said. “That’s another really cool part.”
“I really love the people,” said Tony Baker, who will be competing in point fighting. Tony trains with his son Trent.
“That’s one of my favorite things, spending time with my son and competing with him, and then just the training in general…,” said Tony. “It’s a great experience, one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life.”
This year’s championships will take place in Thonon-les-Bains, France, located in the country’s eastern region. Check back later this fall when LINK nky reports on the results of the tournament.
